User Reviews

Per Se

Posted by Paid on 10/20/2007

Subpar food. Period

We read about chef Keller's sous vide skills and Per Se's Michelin's 3 stars (one of the only 3 restaurants in the city with this honor) so my friend and I made our reservations 2 months in advance to secure our seats. The nine-course meal was a total flop. None of the dishes were sous vide. The foie gras was served with plain white bread that resemble a thick PP&J sandwich. The worst dish was the poached lobster (rubberish and chewy) with chocolate sauce and fig. The sweet and savory combination was a disaster from conception to execution. At the end, they brought out a concoction of mediocre chocolate truffles - a cheap way to ensure that you feel full enough to justify the bill. Dinner for two with a bottle of wine and two cocktails came up to $750. We would return if the food was good.

Per Se

Posted by NYC diner on 09/12/2007

Superb!

The right place to celebrate a special occasion, as we did. For us it was an unforgettable experience that was worth every penny. We will be back.

Per Se

Posted by nyc foodie on 08/01/2007

They just kept bringing more food!

I went to Per Se for the first time a couple months ago. My boyfriend and I and our friends arrive about 20 minutes early and were seated about 20 minutes late -- not a big deal, they brought us wine and amuse bouches while we waited! We were served an additional three tastings while waiting, and they were superb. (Go a little early and have the same experience). All of the food was prepared beautifully. We both ordered the chef's tasting menu and when it came to the foie gras, they just kept bringing out more fresh brioche. We took a couple of bites from each piece and another fresh slice was delivered right in front of us. If that wasn't enough, by the end of the night they brought chocolates and packages of cookies for everyone. It's a lot of money, but an experience everyone should try at least once! Go -- you won't be disappointed.

Per Se

Posted by stevel on 06/15/2007

Bar none the best restaurant in NYC

I have now eaten at Perse 4 times. Twice for dinner & twice for lunch. You are made to feel special but not stuffy. The food and service are the best in the city. A little secret. If your 4 or more you can get the private room. Theres usually no wait.

Per Se

Posted by Melter on 06/11/2007

Oh What a Night

I really enjoyed this dining experience. We came here to celebrate my dear friend's 50th b'day celebration. Been to the French Laundry and have heard so much about this place I was so excited. Originally, we were to eat at Jean George and then miraculously a reservation became available for our party. We started at 6pm and didn't get out until 10:30 pm. The service was divine. I love that the staff wears suits and not waiter/waitress outfits. They are so business like, professional and attentive. We ordered the wine pairings with the tasting menu. Truly delicious. The best was a white Chateauneuf de pape. I never tasted anything so delicious (my favorite varietal is Viognier). I ordered from the vegetarian tasting menu. I don't like fish and am cautious of odd protein substances. I was a little worried that I would miss out, but I didn't. I was impressed with all the taste sensations. Most importantly, the staff was just so gracious. When we couldn't eat anymore (by time the chocolates arrived) they boxed up a selection for us. This was a memorable meal and the attentive staff made it even more so.

Per Se

Posted by DiningMartyr on 05/10/2007

Third time is not a charm

I wish I could write that Per Se is as great as most of the reviewers have reported. But after dining there three times, I have concluded that I would not recommend it. While I admit that the cooking staff are expert technicians, the food they produce is boring. Also, the menu changes very little from year to year. Dishes arrive luke-warm or worse, cold. The wine list isn't merely just expensive, it's wildly overpriced. The limited selection wines by the glass are not worth drinking. And they, too, are insanely priced. The service is solicitous (in that awkward American way), but the staff lack the grace and charm of their European counterparts. Finally, the dining room lacks warmth (although, the view of Central Park compensates for the banal decor) and the reception area is even less inviting. The scale of the rooms are not terribly humane, either. I feel like Per Se is a restaurant equivalent of a McMansion, which, I am sure, is very reassuring to its clientele from the 'burbs.

Per Se

Posted by tribecaresident on 04/16/2007

14 Wonderful Courses

Everything about this place is sublime, the spectrum of dishes presented last night were the best I have enjoyed. Jean Georges, Ramsay take note. For a culinary experience this place is second to none, the prix fixe $250 seems expensive but it really is worth it, plus the service/water is included so its really $190 a head. If you have a chance just go, you will not regret it.